This week, Chicago is preparing to welcome thousands of migrants from Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott is continuing the dehumanizing practice of forcibly transporting migrants to blue cities and states across the country.

Abbott is exploiting real people in his ongoing effort to punish Democrats nationwide. But unfortunately for him, Illinoisans are kind, generous, and hospitable people.

City officials are teaming up with local organizations to provide basic necessities to arriving migrant families, and it’s vital that we help prevent local infrastructure and budgets being overstretched.

Block Club Chicago has compiled a list of options to support reputable organizations, whether you’re looking to make a donation or volunteer. Here are some great suggestions:

Donate Basic Supplies

The Instituto del Progreso Latino has compiled a list of items migrants will need, including clothes, backpacks, and toiletries. Critical items like diapers and baby formula can be dropped off at their location at 2520 S. Western Ave. You can also buy items from their Amazon Wishlist, which will be shipped to a secure location where city workers and organizations will distribute them to shelters.

Hygiene supplies, including medicines, sanitizer, first-aid kits, diapers, and baby formula can also be donated to the Pilsen Food Pantry, located at 1850 S. Throop St.

Support Food Pantries

Local food pantries are working to provide healthy food for migrant families. Here are two great organizations to support:

Pilsen Food Pantry has requested cash donations so they can adapt to the needs of incoming migrants.

You can also make a donation or volunteer with Nourishing Hope, a local food pantry which also serves people with Spanish language services.

Support Medical Care

Local non profit CommunityHealth is providing free medical care like vaccines, prenatal care, injury treatment, and more.

You can volunteer for no-experience roles like translation, triage, lab technicians and medical records assistants. They’re also in need of volunteers with medical experience.

Support Legal Services

Instituto del Progreso Latino is recruiting volunteer attorneys and third-year law students to help migrants navigate the complex asylum process. If you’d like to help the Instituto raise funds to hire an additional full-time attorney, you can donate directly.

If you can, I hope you’ll consider supporting this important cause. Let’s show everyone what America is all about.

– Sean Casten